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Philip Proger (1585-1644)

This is the earliest known portrait of a Welshman holding a leek. At the Tudor and Stuart courts, the Sovereign and courtiers wore leeks on St David’s Day. James I commented that ‘the wearing of leeks by Welshmen was a good and commendable fashion ... the Welshmen in commemoration of the great fight of the black Prince of Wales, do wear leeks as their chosen ensign’. Philip Proger of Gwerndu, Brecknockshire, served at the Court of James I, he was equerry to James I and later groom of the Privy Chamber. His long flowing hair and pointed beard are typical of Royalist fashion.

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